Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Franck Kessie and David Ospina

Roma are in the lead to sign Atalanta midfielder Franck Kessie, according to his agent George Atangana, but his future has not yet been decided, with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City interested in him.

Atangana told Rai Sport (h/t Goal): "Franck is close to many clubs and close to none. I must admit that Roma have the advantage for Kessie, but we haven’t closed a deal yet because there are other top clubs interested who continue calling me."

The agent also named some of the "many overseas clubs" who are keen on the 20-year-old: 

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Manchester City, where his friend Yaya Toure plays in the same role. Liverpool, where their manager Jurgen Klopp knows how to help young players develop.

Then there’s Arsenal, whose manager is very close to French-speaking players. 

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Kessie has caught the eyes of many this year, as he's enjoyed an excellent first season in Serie A. Here's a look at his highlights:

The Ivorian is a powerfully built box-to-box midfielder who combines his physical prowess, technique and relentless energy to make things happen in the centre of the park and the final third.

Kessie also possesses real pace and tremendous work rate, which allows him to get up and down the pitch quickly and effectively as he makes incisive dribbles forward or tracks back when the opposition have the ball.

Squawka provided his numbers for the campaign:

Apps	24
Goals	6
Assists	3
Chances Created	17
Take-Ons	39
Tackles	21
Interceptions	30
Pass Completion	85%

While Kessie isn't a midfielder who directly shields the back four, his strength, dynamism and work ethic would nevertheless help Arsenal's spine become more robust, and he has the potential to become a top player in the future.

The Gunners will evidently face a great deal of competition for his signature, but Kessie could prove an excellent acquisition if they can get him.

Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

Meanwhile, No. 2 goalkeeper David Ospina has expressed interest in joining Fenerbahce this summer. He told Turkish outlet Milliyet (h/t David Wright of The Express): "Istanbul may be a new adventure and motivation for me. If my club are persuaded, it's OK for me."

Ospina typically keeps goal for Arsenal in European and cup competitions, but he was recently called into action to replace Petr Cech against West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League.

As ESPN FC's Mattias Karen noted, it was useful for Arsenal to have him in reserve:

However, he didn't cover himself in glory during the 3-1 defeat, per Bleacher Report UK's James McNicholas:

Ospina is perhaps the best back-up 'keeper the Gunners have had for some time—Lukasz Fabianski and Vito Mannone rarely inspired confidence at the Emirates Stadium.

While it wouldn't be a disaster if he were to leave, his departure could necessitate a dip into the transfer market, though Emiliano Martinez would also have his eye on Ospina's place.